ABC-NJ Unveils Groundbreaking Apprenticeship Training Facility in Mount Laurel

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The Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey (ABC-NJ) has launched a state-of-the-art apprenticeship training facility, consolidating 26 trades under one roof to enhance workforce development.

The Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey (ABC-NJ) has officially opened a new 106,000-square-foot apprenticeship training facility in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, setting a significant benchmark in the United States. The facility is designed to provide hands-on training across 26 trades that have been approved by the Department of Labor, making it a unique resource within the ABC network. Sam Roman, president and CEO of ABC-NJ, expressed optimism about the facility's potential, stating, "I think this is going to be a landmark facility." This center is envisioned as a central hub for workforce development, with ABC-NJ leading the way in merit-shop training by consolidating a variety of programs that no other ABC chapter has achieved before.
Roman elaborated on the rationale behind this consolidation, emphasizing that the construction industry does not operate in isolation. "If you are a plumber working on a job and you are working alongside a welder, you need basic understanding of what they do so you can work safely and properly," she noted. The new training center is set to foster meaningful cross-discipline opportunities among apprentices, enhancing collaboration and safety across trades.
The facility will host a wide range of trades, including laborers, carpenters, elevator repair mechanics, and electricians, each assigned their own dedicated bay. Classrooms will be integrated into the design, and students enrolled in the heavy equipment program will benefit from training on simulators, supplemented by practical experience at another ABC facility. A two-storey model house mockup will also be part of the facility, allowing various trades to work and learn in a collaborative environment.
Under Roman’s leadership, ABC is acting as the general contractor for this ambitious project, subcontracting work to its member companies. Roman noted that construction is ongoing daily, including weekends. This new facility represents a significant improvement for ABC-NJ, which previously operated out of a rented space and satellite locations that provided less than half the available space.
The trade association purchased the former food processing plant and the surrounding 12 acres for $18 million late last year. An additional investment of $2 to $3 million will be allocated for retrofitting the facility, which is still considerably less than the cost of constructing a new building from the ground up. Although classes began as early as March, a grand opening is scheduled for September. Furthermore, the facility will undergo further development this winter, which includes the addition of a mezzanine floor and a separate elevator core dedicated to training elevator mechanics.
Roman also highlighted a unique aspect of the building—a tools museum featuring a collection contributed by members of ABC-NJ, with tools dating back to the 19th century. The acquisition of the old warehouse, which boasts heavily loaded floors and varying ceiling heights, has proven advantageous for the association's needs. Roman remarked on the fortuitous timing of the building's availability, noting its proximity to ABC-NJ's headquarters, just a two-minute walk away.
With approximately 65 part-time instructors on staff, ABC-NJ anticipates training 500 pre-apprentices and apprentices in the first year, with plans to increase that number to over 1,000 annually within five years. Training will be offered both in-person and online. Roman shared insights into the demographic of the apprentices, noting that the average starting age is between 24 and 27 years, though many are pursuing second careers, with some even in their 40s.
In light of the ongoing skilled trades shortage, the merit shop is expanding its recruitment efforts to include individuals who have received trades training while incarcerated and are now re-entering the workforce. Roman stated, "It is a newer area we’re dipping our toe in, and I want to be thoughtful to provide the services and supports." The new facility symbolizes a pivotal shift for ABC-NJ, which aims to help revitalize the trades not only in New Jersey but across the nation. Roman concluded by stating, "I think the newer generation is taking notice of the opportunities that exist, especially as debt-free continuing education. We want to be there to support them, offer that education and ensure they are well trained."

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